Triptykon will be undergoing a lineup change fairly soon. The band has announced that after their next two shows, the group will be saying farewell to drummer Norman Lonhard, who is leaving in an amicable split. This will leave a vacancy in the band, one that they hope to fill soon via the audition process.

Lonhard's final two shows will come tomorrow (Aug. 10) at the Leyendas Del Rock Festival in Villena, Spain and on Aug. 12 at the Party.San Open Air in Schlotheim, Germany.

"These will be the final concerts we will play with our drummer, Norman Lonhard," state the band. "Norman joined Triptykon in December of 2008, thereby completing the freshly formed band. He recorded two acclaimed albums, an EP, and a single with the group, appeared in all of Triptykon's video clips, and performed uncounted concerts around the globe with us."

They continue, "We are proud of Triptykon's exceedingly stable lineup, not least in light of some of the events that transpired in Triptykon's predecessor, Celtic Frost. It reflects Triptykon's internal spirit of harmony that this first departure of a member of the group occurs in true friendship and deep mutual respect. After eight-and-a-half years of invoking supreme darkness with Triptykon onstage and in the studio, Norman has indicated his desire to explore different musical avenues in the future. It is a wish we fully understand, of course, but also one we bemoan on a personal level. We all wish Norman the very best for any and all of his future endeavors. He will forever remain one of us."

As stated, the band will seek to find Lonhard's replacement through the audition process. "We are taking the required technical capabilities for granted, and we are completely open with regard to age and female and male applicants. Of decisive importance to us, however, are uniqueness, an unrestricted musical horizon, creativity, artistic courage, a stable and professional personality, and an appearance that reflects the group's music and unique historic background," say the band about what they are looking for in a replacement. Serious inquiries are asked to reach out to the band at triptykonswitzerland@gmx.ch.

The group expects to fill the position before continuing work on their third album, the follow-up to Melana Chasmata.